b'Life with MSThe Silent BaattttlleessooffMMSSThe Silent BTThheerraappyyttoooollssttoogghhtttthheeuunnsseeeennbbaattttlleessBy Jaitrali JhanjharyaLiving with multiple sclerosis is a test ofcan help provide clear evidence during resilience, patience, and self-advocacy to saymedical visits. the least. Its not just about managing symptoms Bringing a support person: A trusted friend itsaboutnavigatinga worldthatoftenor family member can validate symptoms misunderstands, dismisses, or even punishesand pushback against dismissive doctors. those with chronic illness and disability. Seeking second (or third) opinions: If a doctor As a psychotherapist working with MSdoesnt take your concerns seriously, nding patients, Ive seen rsthand how these systemicone who does is essential. challenges affect mental health. The emotional Rebuilding medical trust: Therapy can help toll is real: self-doubt from medical gaslighting,process past medical trauma and develop financial anxiety from the disability tax,condence in seeking care without fear of relationship struggles from the marriagedismissal. penalty, shame around mobility aids, and the Affirming self-trust: Learning to validate exhaustive pressure of being someone elsesones own experiences (I know what I feel is inspiration.real) counteracts the damage of gaslighting. But while these problems are real, they areTakeaway: Your symptoms are real. You not insurmountable. Therapy is about helpingare not overreacting. You deserve competent peoplereclaimpower,reframeharmfulcare. If a doctor doesnt believe you, they are narratives, and build strategies for navigatingthe problemnot you. an ableist world. Lets dive into solutions for2. The disability tax these problemsthe psychological tools thatPaying more to exist. helppeoplewithMSthrivedespitethese challenges.People with MS pay more for everything1. Medical gaslightingmedications, mobility aids, therapy, special Are you sure its not just stress?diets, transportation. Meanwhile, jobs often fail to accommodate uctuating symptoms, Medical gaslighting happens when doctorsleading to income loss. The nancial stress of dismiss, minimize, or misdiagnose symptoms,chronicillnessisalreadyamentalhealth making patients feel unheard and doubted.burden. Because MS symptoms are often invisible, peoplePsychological and practical solutions are frequently told theyre just stressed or Financial coaching and stress management: imagining it. This erodes self-trust, delaysTherapy can help break the cycle of nancial proper treatment, and creates anxiety aroundanxiety by focusing on whats controllable seeking medical care.and letting go of shame about needing Psychological and practical solutionsassistance.Self-advocacy training: Keeping a symptom Resource navigation: Connecting with journal with dates, severity, and triggersdisability advocates, legal aid, and nonprot msfocusmagazine.org 24'